TESTING THE FAITH

Conservative Catholics question pope's approach

Rattled by admonishment not to be 'obsessed' by doctrine

Published: 10/15/2013 at 8:38 AM

(WASHINGTON POST) Rattled by Pope Francis’s admonishment to Catholics not to be “obsessed” by doctrine, his stated reluctance to judge gay priests and his apparent willingness to engage just about anyone — including atheists — many conservative Catholics are doing what only recently seemed unthinkable:

Concern among traditionalists began building soon after Francis was elected this spring. Almost immediately, the new pope told non-Catholic and atheist journalists he would bless them silently out of respect. Soon after, he eschewed Vatican practice and included women in a foot-washing ceremony.